ASKY has confirmed the return to service of its Boeing 737 aircraft ET-BBB after a comprehensive overhaul by Ethiopian MRO, which addressed structural damage incurred during an incident at Niamey International Airport on 29 January 2026. The repairs, completed over several months, involved specialized maintenance and adherence to aviation safety standards, with the aircraft resuming operations in Lomé today. The airline emphasized the technical complexity of the restoration, which required precision engineering and coordination with partners including Boeing and other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Esayas Hailu, CEO of ASKY, highlighted the achievement as a demonstration of the airline’s commitment to safety and operational resilience. 'The safe return of ET-BBB to our fleet is a testament to the dedication and technical excellence of our teams and partners,' Hailu stated. He noted the repair process reinforced ASKY’s focus on maintaining high safety and reliability standards as it expands its African network. The airline, governed by private law, is owned by regional institutions such as EBID, BOAD, ECOBANK Group, Ethiopian Airlines, and the Government of Togo, with Ethiopian Airlines providing strategic technical support.
The Pan-African airline operates a 17-aircraft fleet serving 30 cities across 28 African countries. ASKY’s operations are managed by African aviation professionals, with its shareholding structure reflecting a blend of regional financial institutions and state entities. The airline’s technical partnership with Ethiopian Airlines leverages the latter’s global operational expertise, while its business model prioritizes sustainability and profitability. The return of ET-BBB marks a critical step in ensuring continued service reliability amid ongoing efforts to strengthen its continental presence.
The incident at Niamey, which led to the aircraft’s damage, underscores the challenges of operating in regions with evolving aviation safety landscapes. ASKY’s successful recovery of ET-BBB highlights the importance of robust maintenance frameworks and international collaboration in the aviation sector. The airline reiterated its commitment to upholding safety protocols, with the repaired aircraft now poised to contribute to its growing network across Africa.